Antigone

            The play Antigone, by Sophocles, is based after the story of Oedipus. According to the myth, King Laios and his wife Jocasta visit an oracle. He tells them that their newborn son, Oedipus, will grow up to kill his father and marry his mother. After learning this, Laios and Jocasta gave Oedipus to a shepherd with the instructions to kill him. The shepherd feels sorry for Oedipus and raises him as their own. Without knowing it, Oedipus grows up fulfills the prophecy. When Jocasta and Oedipus find out the truth, she kills herself and he gouges out his eyes. Eteocles and Polyneices, Oedipus's sons, fight over the kingdom. Eteocles receives a proper burial, but Polyneices does not because King Creon considers him a traitor. This means that Polyneisces will go to hell. The God's laws say that if you don't receive a burial, then you go to hell. Antigone, a daughter of Oedipus, cannot live to see her brother die without a proper burial. She goes against the laws of man to follow the God's laws, and buries him herself. Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero is someone who is highly renowned and prosperous with a tragic flaw that is responsible for his or her downfall. Creon's potential for greatness as a ruler, destructive pride, recognition of error, and tragic downfall accurately apply to Aristotle's definition; thus proving he is the tragic hero. .
             Creon has potential for greatness as a ruler. He sounds excited and ready to take on the responsibility when he presents his speech to the chorus. Creon's dedication as a new king is shown as he states, "I call God to witness that if I saw my country headed for ruin, I should not be afraid to speak out plainly, and I need remind you I would never have dealings with an enemy of the people."" These are the words Creon says when he learns he is to be the new king. This show's that he wants to do the right things for his country. He wants to be a good leader.